IMPURITY IN SEEDS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18713, 20 May 1924, Page 12

IMPURITY IN SEEDS.

HOW WEEDS INCREASE.

Mr J'.' Ni Whittet, the N.S.V/.Government Agrostologist, recently: gave in the Agricultural Gazette some - startling in-formation-regarding the: importation of seeds In a 'lib. sample; of white clover were found the following impurities :~, Lotus angustissimus, 46,000 seeds; sheep s sorrel, . - 22,272 seeds; suckling clover, 12,800 -seeds Timothy grass, : 4352 seeds; catchfly, 2560 ! seeds; hop clover, 1792 seeds; fat hen/ 1280 seeds; rib grass 334 seeds 'crane's; bill/ 256 seeds Yorkshire fog, 192 ' seeds; field madder, 192 seeds; self heal, 128 seeds,.; spurry, y. 64 seeds chickweed, 64 seeds. ,;■:..;■- :. : In addition to the above case last year a large consignment of parrot food arrived from Europe. r In lib. Sof sample were found the following ingredients ron thistle, 3632 seeds; sunflower, 2688 seeds; sorghum, 846 seeds • pumpkin, 64 seeds; cowpea, 48 seeds; wheat, 32 seeds; ; peanut, 32 seeds; black oats, 16 seeds. :■ i . f W In - a consignment of; grasses imported for trial was included a sample :of star grass (Qj'nOdon plectostachyum), which is a rapid growing, succulent grass, and to outward appearances' was .' one :of the most promising introductions seen for some time, ; but f analysis shewed that ';-.. in : all stages of growth there was a large Huan-' tity: of hydrocyanic acid. : , ; The above three cases illustrate • . the necessity of enforcing the Quarantine Act on aU '(■; importations 'J of ; ? seeds, v fodder plants, etc , .